By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
After a great start, Spain 2014 continues with some very crucial games on the second day. The teams which lost on the first day have to step up immediately or they are in danger of losing vital ground on the race for the final group standings which will decide the couplings in the second phase.
The schedule (local times)
Group C: Dominican Republic – New Zealand (12.30)
Group B: Argentina – Croatia (13.30)
Group D: Korea – Australia (13.30)
Group A: Serbia – France (15.30)
Group C: Finland – Ukraine (16.00)
Group D: Slovenia – Mexico (16.30)
Group B: Senegal – Puerto Rico (17.30)
Group A: Brazil – Iran (18.00)
Group D: Lithuania – Angola (19.00)
Group B: Philippines – Greece (20.00)
Group C: Turkey – USA (21.30)
Group A: Spain – Egypt (22.00)
The must-sees
In Group A Serbia collides with France and the European champions after losing to Brazil have to react. If they do, then things will get complicated in the standings. On the other hand, Serbia with a win can send a message about things to come.
In Group B the main event is held first, as Argentina and Croatia will duel in the game which may decide the top spot of the final group standings. It will be an interesting contest between a veteran unit and an up and coming team.
In Group C Finland and Ukraine, two teams of similar quality, will fight for the win which will push them closer to the second phase of the tournament.
The individual attractions
Goran Dragic started the tournament with a bang and we expect one more great show against Mexico. The same applies for Andray Blatche (photo) who almost beat Croatia and now faces one more great challenge with the national team of Philippines against Greece. Also keep an eye to Argentinian shooting guard Safar who started by scoring 18 points against Puerto Rico.
The one sided affairs
Turkey will try its best, but can’t do much against Team USA. Spain will also have an easy night against Egypt and the same is expected for Lithuania against Angola, for Brazil against Iran and for Australia against Korea.